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arXiv:astro-ph/9611149 (astro-ph)
[Submitted on 19 Nov 1996]

Title:Radiative Torques on Interstellar Grains: II. Grain Alignment

Authors:B.T. Draine (Princeton University Observatory), Joseph C. Weingartner (Physics Dept., Princeton University)
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Abstract: Radiative torques on irregular dust grains, in addition to producing superthermal rotation, play a direct dynamical role in the alignment of interstellar dust with the local magnetic field. The equations governing the orientation of spinning, precessing grains are derived; H_2 formation torques and paramagnetic dissipation are included in the dynamics. Stationary solutions (constant alignment angle and spin rate) are found; these solutions may be stable ("attractors") or unstable ("repellors"). The equations of motion are numerically integrated for three exemplary irregular grain geometries, exposed to anisotropic radiation with the spectrum of interstellar starlight. The resulting "trajectory maps" are classified as "noncyclic", "semicyclic", or "cyclic", with examples of each given.
We find that radiative torques result in rapid grain alignment, even in the absence of paramagnetic dissipation. It appears that radiative torques due to starlight can account for the observed alignment of interstellar grains with the Galactic magnetic field.
Comments: 34 pages, 21 eps figures, uses this http URL . Submitted to Ap.J
Subjects: Astrophysics (astro-ph)
Report number: POPe-689
Cite as: arXiv:astro-ph/9611149
  (or arXiv:astro-ph/9611149v1 for this version)
  https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.astro-ph/9611149
Related DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/304008

Submission history

From: Bruce T. Draine [view email]
[v1] Tue, 19 Nov 1996 21:48:47 UTC (379 KB)
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